Park officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians

Park officials apprehended two suspects for illegally clearing forest land to plant durian trees on an area spanning 3 rai. Hearing the sound of forest clearing, officials moved in, capturing one individual while the other fled, later convincing him to surrender.

Officials from the Phetchaburi branch of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 received a report from Kittisak Somsri, head of the park rangers, concerning the apprehension of two individuals for illegal forest encroachment. The suspects were caught clearing forest land in Khlong Haeng Forest, located in Ban Bang Charoen, Chaiyarat subdistrict, Bang Saphan Noi district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

While patrolling the northern part of the Chumphon Forest Reserve, rangers heard the sound of forest clearing. They dispersed and surrounded the area, where they discovered two men cutting down trees with machetes. Identifying themselves as officials, they managed to detain one man, who was still holding a machete, while the other suspect fled the scene.

The detained individual was later identified as 60 year old Charan, and the second suspect, who initially fled but was convinced to surrender via a phone call made by Charan, was identified as 69 year old Paitoon. Both men are residents of Chumphon province. Upon inspection, officials found that approximately 3 rai of forest land had been cleared, and durian seeds had been planted in the area.

In their confession, both suspects admitted to clearing the forest to plant durian trees. They were subsequently charged with multiple offences.

• Constructing, clearing, or otherwise destroying the forest or occupying forest land without permission.
• Occupying forest reserve land and causing damage to the national forest reserve without authorisation.
• Entering a wildlife sanctuary without permission from officials; constructing or clearing land in a way that degrades or alters the natural state without permission.
• Damaging or degrading natural resources such as wood, soil, rocks, gravel, sand, or other natural resources, or undertaking actions that impact the environment and biodiversity without permission.
• Planting trees or other vegetation without authorisation.

The suspects were then handed over to investigators at Bang Saphan Noi Police Station for legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.

The prompt response by the park officials underscores the ongoing efforts to protect Thailand’s forests from illegal activities. Such actions are crucial in preserving our natural resources and biodiversity.